Cuddle Me Cardy – Cardigan Sewing Pattern and Tutorial

If there is one thing I don't get to wear very often here in the tropical weather of the Caribbean, it's a cardigan or jacket. But when I was running a few ideas past the pattern testing team, a cardy or jacket was a pretty popular idea now the cooler months were coming and so I knuckled down and got my thinking cap on.

I don't mind telling you, it took 7 different pattern designs and many trials and errors before I finally settled on this design that I hope will look flattering and wearable to most figure types.

Features:

Interesting vertical seaming

Long loose sleeves to wear over the top of other things

Optional ties at the waist

High cosy collar at the back of the neck

Can be worn loose and long, or cinched with a belt

Not too baggy in the back!

8 sizes from 32 to 46 bust

I loved the look of mine over a t-shirt and leggings, and made a neutral color that can hopefully go with anything. As you can see, I made mine from a very lightweight knit that was a little sheer but its perfect for a light cover up for the cooler evenings or restaurants that have too much air conditioning!

Check out the Cuddle Me Cardy Pattern

Take a look at the Cuddle Me Cardy pattern here. The pattern can be downloaded from my pattern account at Craftsy.

Pattern Tester Reviews

The pattern testers rated this pattern 50% for beginners and 50% for the intermediate sewer. Choose your fabric carefully for the best results. Some knits can be hard to sew!

Jane – First, I love cardigans so I was really excited to give this pattern a try. The pattern looked simple, yet classy. Very approachable. All and all, this really was a lovely pattern. I had a lot of fun sewing it. It will make a great addition to people's wardrobes.

Diane at Two Chicklets Sew Shop – It's a cute and different look than what I would normally choose but I can see myself wearing it in cooler weather. Can easily be dressed up or down. I think next time, I'd make the belt separately and attach it to the side seam with some loops.

Emma – It all went together beautifully as usual. For the testing, I left the belt off completely (mainly due to lack of enough fabric!) but next time I'll make a completely separate belt and maybe add loops at the side seam for it to feed through. That way the fullness when it's tied can be distributed evenly around the waist. I also used narrow tape iron on tape to stabilize the front edge before I hemmed it, likewise on the hem. this was a trick I learned from you and now use all the time!!

Judy at Stoney Lonesome Sew Works – Came together very quickly and easily. A very versatile pattern that could be used for all seasons depending on what type of fabric is used. There really isn't anything I didn't like. Thought it sewed up very cute. Made this for my daughter who is 5′ 3″. I shortened the main pieces approx. 6 inches. Also, made the sleeves 3/4 length.

Theresa at The DIY Page – I like the look of the cardy very much. At first, I wanted to make it out of stretch lace, but I didn't have enough in my stash and the store was out of the fabric. After thinking it over, I went ahead and cut the back out of a solid and I'm really happy with the look. The fit is excellent and it really helps fill a need in my wardrobe. I chose not to make the belt but I cut out enough fabric to make a separate belt if I chose to belt it. This is a great wardrobe extender and a nice addition to your pattern line. I really liked that you had a link to the video on stabilizing the shoulders.

Linda – I really like this pattern. The cardigan has style instead of the boxy style. My fabric is very thin and OK for summer or early fall. For winter I would make it with something warmer! Thank you for designing such a nice and feminine pattern! The pattern pieces fit together very well. I love the way you made the collar. It was easy to sew. Nothing square that you are trying to fit to something round (hope that makes sense). I love the way we finished the seams with the topstitching. I had never done that before but will be applying it to another project. The fit is great, roomy enough for a shirt under but not bulky. You can still see the body shape. I like that the ties are sewn into the side seam. You cannot lose your ties that way! It also looks good open.

Diane D at Thread Sweat and Tears – It's my style of cardigan and yet it looked different – made me want to try it! Deby, I loved this pattern and the way it was in style but slightly different. Some of the similar cardigans have too much fabric in front which just makes everyone look bigger in front and who wants that? LOL

Audrey – I opted to not do the ties because my toddlers just use them to hang on the fit is ok, I could've done a smaller size but I was in between the two and was afraid if I did the smallest size the sleeves wouldn't be long enough. Very comfortable, stylish and perfect for laying. Thank you for the opportunity to test this pattern I REALLY like it!!!

Sarah – It was super windy when we were doing photos and we loved the way this looked. I added a white collar to this for a couple of reasons. I didn't order enough blue so I could use the white I had or wait for more blue to arrive. Since scarves are what everyone around here wears all the time – infinity, long, whatever, I could make that appear to be part of the design of this. We both love how this came out and we have both worn it to lounge in since it was completed. I can say it was a HUGE success and I will be making another (or many others) for us to share and wear. We liked how it was appropriate to wear as business casual but was also appropriate with sweatpants.

Louise – I love it. So easy. I will be making more of these. Even though I'm short I left it the original length. I like them long!

Check out the Cuddle Me Cardy Pattern

Take a look at the Cuddle Me Cardy pattern here. The pattern can be downloaded from my pattern account at Craftsy.

Good morning! I clicked on the link to download the pattern today and it is not showing as free. I received the newsletter in my email today, January 6, 2019. Can you help or tell me if the email was incorrect?

I can’t download any of your patterns and I have emailed you before regarding this same problem. Can you please tell me why I can download any other type of PDF but not yours? Please respond via email with the instructions.

As per usual, I love this pattern. In fact, I love all your patterns. I’m going to make it for my 5ft. daughter, so I guess I better shorten it. I’m 5’7″, so I won’t need to change it. How much will I need to shorten hers by, and should it all be in one place or distributed over a couple of places?

Hi Cheryl, Happy New Year! The shorter answer would be to distribute the amount. How much will depend on your taste, where would your daughter like the back of the cardy fall? You will need to measure the back length of both the cardigan and your daughter.

First off, congratulations to the two people who won the sewing machine and overlocker in the recent competitions.

Thank you for offering this as a freebie. A 46″ bust is fine for me but I may need to grade up at the tummy/ hip and shorten as I’m short, seated and very much a pear shape! I don’t think it’ll be too hard to do this, hopefully not anyway, as this may be the ideal cardi for me. I think it’ll look great over a slightly fitted top and skinny jeans but
also thin enough to wear under a coat and not restrict my movement. It may also help me get used to my overlocker! I’ll see how I get on on both fronts 🙂

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